Poulan SM400 User Manual - Page 11

FUEL SYSTEM Under FUELING ENGINE in the OPERATION section of this manual, see message labeled IMPORTANT regarding the use of gasohol in your engine. Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable alternative in minimizing the formation of fuel gum deposits during storage. Add stabilizer to gasoline in fuel tank or fuel storage container. Follow the mix instructions found on stabilizer container. Run engine at least 5 minutes after adding stabilizer. HELPFUL TIP During storage of your gas/ oil mixture, the oil will separate from the gas. We recommend that you shake the gas can weekly to insure proper blending of the gas and oil. ENGINE S Remove spark plug and pour 1 teaspoon of 40:1, 2-cycle engine oil (air cooled) through the spark plug opening. Slowly pull the starter rope 8 to 10 times to distribute oil. S Replace spark plug with new one of recom- mended type and heat range. S Clean air filter. S Check entire unit for loose screws, nuts, and bolts. Replace any damaged, broken, or worn parts. S At the beginning of the next season, use only fresh fuel having the proper gasoline to oil ratio. OTHER S Do not store gasoline from one season to another. S Replace your gasoline can if it starts to rust. TROUBLESHOOTING TABLE WARNING: Always stop unit and disconnect spark plug before performing any of the recommended remedies below other than remedies that require operation of the unit. TROUBLE Engine will not start. Engine will not idle properly. Engine will not accelerate, lacks power, or dies under a load. Engine smokes excessively. CAUSE 1. Engine flooded. 2. Fuel tank empty. 3. Spark plug not firing. 4. Fuel not reaching carburetor. 5. Compression low. 1. Fuel not reaching carburetor. 2. Carburetor requires adjustment. 3. Crankshaft seals worn. 4. Compression low. 1. Air filter dirty. 2. Fuel not reaching carburetor. 3. Spark plug fouled. 4. Carburetor requires adjustment. 5. Carbon build up. 6. Compression low. 1. Choke partially on. 2. Fuel mixture incorrect. 3. Air filter dirty. 4. Carburetor requires adjustment. REMEDY 1. See "Starting a Flooded Engine" in Operation section. 2. Fill tank with correct fuel mixture. 3. Install new spark plug. 4. Check for dirty fuel filter; replace. Check for kinked or split fuel line; repair or replace. 5. Contact an authorized service dealer. 1. Check for dirty fuel filter; replace. Check for kinked or split fuel line; repair or replace. 2. Contact an authorized service dealer. 3. Contact an authorized service dealer 4. Contact an authorized service dealer. 1. Clean or replace air filter. 2. Check for dirty fuel filter; replace. Check for kinked or split fuel line; repair or replace. 3. Clean or replace spark plug and re-gap. 4. Contact an authorized service dealer. 5. Contact an authorized service dealer. 6. Contact an authorized service dealer. 1. Adjust choke. 2. Empty fuel tank and refill with correct fuel mixture. 3. Clean or replace air filter. 4. Contact an authorized service dealer. Engine runs hot. 1. Fuel mixture incorrect. 2. Spark plug incorrect. 3. Carburetor requires adjustment. 4. Carbon build up. 1. See "Fueling Engine" in Operation section. 2. Replace with correct spark plug. 3. Contact an authorized service dealer. 4. Contact an authorized service dealer. -- 11 --